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A MUSICAL DRAMA IN 3 ACTS. 



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Author ok '' Belshazzak," F.ic. 



Tub Libretto, ARGt'MENT, .Scexes and Dramatic Action, 

Enteieil according to Act of Congress, by J. A. Butterfield, /« the year 1875, at the 

Librarian s Office, at Washington. Ai.L Rights Reserved. 



CH ICAGO: 
Lakeside Publishing and Printing C<)^rpANY 

1875- 



4ffi- 



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ii., 




TMP92-008767 




Ruth and Naomi. 



RUTH, 

NAOMI, 

BOAZ, 

NEAR KINSMAN, 

HIGH PRIEST, 



30ramatis ^ersona^. 



Soprano. 

Alto. 

Tenor. 

Bass. 

Bass. 



ZULEIKA, - - - . SoPRANOt 

PROPHETESS, - - - Alto. 

ORPAH, ... - Mez. Sop. 

MERAB, Tenor. 

BOAZ'S HEAD SERVANT, Baritone. 



Ckortis of Reapers and Gleaners, Companion Maidens of Ruth, Elders of the People, Citizens 
of Bethlehem, Servants of Boaz, Officiating Priests, Maidens with Tabrets and Harps, Herald, tie. 



The leading incidents are taken from the Book of Ruth, but owing to the fact that the customs of the agt were 
wholly at vari.ince with those of our day, we have refrained from giving an exact portraiture in every respect, pre- 
serving sufficient accuracy, however, to render the story truthful in general outline. We have no hesitation in repro- 
ducing the story of Ruth as a musical drama, when we recollect that the incidents are simply historical and preserved 
only for the purpose of showing the genealogical descent of our Saviour from Boaz. The action is laid in and near 
Bethlehem about the year 1320 B. C. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Naomi and her family emigrate to the country of Moab, on account of a severe 
famine existing in the land of Judah. The family consists of Naomi, her husband 
Elimelech, and her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. They dwell in Moab about ten 
years, during which time Elimelech dies, and the sons take wives of that country^ 
Mahlon marrying Ruth, and Chilion espousing Orpah. The two sons die also, and 
the three women are left widows. During the ten years' absence of Naomi, the 
land of Judah has again become prosperous, and hearing of this, she resolves to 
return to her former home. She leaves Moab, and her two daughters-in-law accom- 
pany her. As they near the old homestead, now going to decayj Naomi thanks 
them for their kindness to her, blesses them, and urges them to return to the land 
of Moab. Without hesitation they decide to share their fortunes with her, though 
Orpah, after some persuasion, is induced to return to her kindred; Ruth however 
"clave unto Naomi," and would not forsake her. They reach Bethlehem at the 
beginning of barley harvest, and as they are in destitute circumstances, Ruth vol- 
unteers to go into the fields to glean, as was the custom of women in that age, if 
poverty rendered it necessary to earn their own bread, special provision being made 
for such by the Israelitish law. Without being aware of any relationship, Ruth 
chanced to glean in the field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech. 
One day on coming from Bethlehem he observed her, and after making many- 
inquiries of his head servant as to her country and kindred, he ordered his servants 



to show her special attention, by letting her glean wherever she might choose, and 
even allowing handfuls of corn to fall on purpose for her. Boaz was a near rela- 
tive of Elimelech's, and the marriage law of Israel stood thus : that the brother or 
nearest living male relative should marry the deceased brother's widow. This 
relative, who is styled the Near Kinsman, had become jealous of the wealth and 
popularity of Boaz, and was seeking an opportunity to redress fancied grievances, 
being instigated by his old servant Merab. His wife Zuleika had become jealous 
of Ruth on account of the custom just mentioned, and was determined to frustrate 
any plans with a view to such a marriage. Thus matters stood : Poor Ruth was 
laboring hard daily in the harvest fields, earning barely sufficient to support herself 
and Naomi ; Boaz was becoming enamored of Ruth : the Near Kinsman was getting 
desperate and resolved to wreak his vengeance on the unoffending Boaz at the first 
favorable opportunity. One evening as Ruth returns from the fields she becomes 
conscious of a growing attachment to Boaz. Naomi overhearing this, secretly 
rejoices, and in order to bring the affair to a crisis resolves to place Ruth in his 
way on the first favorable occasion, therefore suggests to her to go down to the 
threshing-floor where Boaz and his servants are celebrating the harvest home, but 
not to make herself known until after the festivities. Ever true and faithful, she 
replies: "All thou sayest unto me I will do." She goes down to the floor as 
directed, and as she is about to awaken Boaz, who had by this time retired to rest, 
lying down at the " end of the heap of corn," she hears a step, and almost before 
she has time to resolve how to act she is horrified to see the Near Kinsman enter 
stealthily, with evident murderous designs. With sufficient presence of mind, 
however, she drops back into the gloom before being discovered, and watches with 
intense anxiety the approach of the Near Kinsman to Boaz. His dagger leaps from 
its hiding-place, his arm is raised, but Ruth, nerved to desperation, glides rapidly 
forward and arrests it just as it is in the act of drinking the life-blood of his kins- 
man Boaz. The Near Kinsman realizing the desperate nature of the situation sues 
on bended knees for pardon. It is granted after an earnest supplication from Ruth, 
on condition that he yield his claim to her hand, which he does, and makes genuine 
efforts of repentance. 

Naomi determines to sell the parcel of land which belonged to her husband, 
Elimelech, and Boaz is intrusted with its sale. At the gate or entrance to the city 
of Bethlehem was the place for the people to regulate all matters of public interest. 
Boaz, therefore, assembles together ten men of the elders of the city, and with 
characteristic generosity, in order to spare the feelings of the Near Kinsman, offers 
him the land, informing him at the same time, however, that he who makes the 
purchase must also espouse Ruth. He excuses himself from purchasing for the 
reason that he would " mar his own inheritance." This public act releases him 
from the obligation, and enables Boaz to purchase the land and legally to claim 
the hand of Ruth. Soon afterward the companion maidens of Ruth assemble at 
nightfall at the house of Naomi, according to custom, and sing the Epithalamium 
or niiptial ode of congratulation, which was followed in a few days by the wedding. 



(( 



Mutfj antr Naomi." 



.h„„,f Be,h,.he„.j.d.h : .„d ,h., „„. ;.„ ,k, „„.„,„, ^cb „d c.„,i.„d .he™ ' «" „ ch^J rV .S;" 

I 

Introduction and Scene. 

T/ie Exile's Farewell. 



NAOMI. 

My native land, Farewell ! 

I leave thee with a bursting heart, 

A throbbing brow, and moistened eye. 

Thy rocks and thy vales, 

Thy hills and thy dales. 

Farewell, Farewell! 

The birth-place of my children 

(Young men now stalwart grown,) 

Each flower and tree, 

All, all that I love. 

Farewell ! 

Brave Elimelech awaits my departure, 

And Mahlon and Chilion are impatient, 

One last fond look. Farewell ! 

Farewell my dear old home, 
Exiled from thee I roam ; 
We seek a stranger strand, 
Far from our native land; 
Farewell each tree and flower. 
Dear in this parting hour. 
Dearer than heart can tell, 
How sad to say. Farewell ! 

fA voice behittd scenes.) 

Naomi ! Naomi ! Naomi ! 

NAOMI ! 

My husband grows impatient, 
And he I may not tell 
How hard it is to say the word, 
This last sad word, Farewell ! 



Farewell to every sod. 
Farewell the paths I've trod ; * 
One look with bursting heart, 
One glance and then we part ; 
They call, and I arise. 
Yet with my streaming eyes 
One look o'er hill and dell, 
Dear land, loved home : Farewell ! 



Scene \.— Harvest Time. 

The Reapers and Gleaners are proceeding to the 
fields in charge of the Head Sei-vant of Boaz. Ten years 
have elapsed since the Introductory Scene, and Naomi's 
old home shows signs of neglect and decay. 

REAPERS AND GLEANERS. 

Away to the fields, to the barley fields 

away, 
For the golden sun hath kissed them 

brown : 
Away to the fields nor the harvest home 

delay, 
And our labor's end with joy we'll crown. 

HEAD SERVANT. 

Come away, come away. 
Let us hie to the fields away. 
Soon the moon will pass away. 

chorus. 
Away to the fields, etc. 



Scene ll.— The Plotters. 

Merab, afterward Near Kinsman. Merab has just 
returned from Moab, whither he has been sent by his 
master. 

MERAB. 

All things have an ending, 

And so hath this journey. 

Hungry, weary, and footsore, 

Beside this rock I'll rest me ! 

From Bethlehem to Moab, 

And again from Moab to Bethlehem, 

Have I journeyed many days, 

Yet once again my native hills I see. 

My master seems expectant, 

But the tale with which I'm freighted 

Will glad his inmost soul 

As I unload the burden ; 

And though 'tis full of sorrow. 

To him it bringeth joy. 

Perhaps to meet me here 

He moveth on thus cautiously, 

My fast then will I break. 

The Near Kinsman expecting the return of his servant 
from Moab, and anxious for the news, hastens to meet 
him. At first he does not perceive him. 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

Ten years ago this ruined spot 
Its happy inmates gladness brought; 
Then famine that with horror spread. 
And pestilence with giant tread 
Stalked forth victorious at noonday, 
Like Israel's hosts seen in the fray ! 
Ah ! Merab ! what news I pray ? 

MERAB. 

Ten years have many changes wrought, 
Sad news from Moab's land I've bro't. 
Sad news — Naomi's left alone. 
Her husband, children, all are gone. 

BOTH. 

So he the nearest one of kin. 
Her own inheritance will win ! 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

And Boaz, should he protest make, 
Will surely feel my wrath and hate; 
Then why a longer time delay. 
But set our plans to win the day. 

BOTH 

Silence and courage ne'er disown. 
And soon will see the prize our own. 



Scene III. — The Kinsmen. 

Near Kinsman, afterward Boaz. Head Servant. Reap- 
ers and Gleaners. 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

But what intruder comes this way .? 
'Tis Boaz, who, with mighty sway 
And lordly air, walks forth at morn. 
Like chanticleer who hails the dawn, 

BOAZ. 

Work, boys, work. 

There's wealth in honest labor. 

Work, boys, work. 

What's manlier than toil .'' 

Work, boys, work. 

Let ev'ry friend and neighbor 

Shout loud huzzah ! 

For the sons who work the soil ! 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

Peace be unto my lord. 
And unto my lord's household. 
Let thy servant come near, I pray thee, 
And speak a word in the ear of my 
master ! 

BOAZ. 

Arise ! Be thou blessed of Jehovah, 
And may the blessing of the Lord God 

of Israel be upon thee. 
Speak ! Are we not brethren .' 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

Nay, my lord ! I am but a servant 
Before the face of my master. 
And dwell in tents. 

While my lord hath many flocks and 
herds. 

BOAZ. 

Nay! but we are brethren 

And dwell in peace. 

And the land upon which we dwell, 

Was it not given our father Abraham 

For an inheritance to him and to his 

seed forever } 
Therefore we are kinsmen. Arise ! 

HEAD SERVANT, REAPERS AND GLEAN- 
ERS. 

Work, boys, work. 

There's health where sunlight's falling. 

Work, boys, work ! 

What's purer than the breeze ! 

Work, boys, work ! 



Nor fear an honest calling, 

Toil's no disgrace, 

'Tis the hand each prize will seize. 

Soon goes the day and soon its toil is 

ended, 
Soon comes the night, with ills we've 

done unmended. 
Then let our lives to highest aims be 

given, 
And thus point our footsteps the way 

that leads to heaven. 

BOAZ WITH CHORUS. 
{Ensemble.) 

Work, boys, work ! 

There's power in honest labor. 

Work, boys, work ! 

For life's a hardy school. 

Work, boys, work ! 

Nor ask of friend or neighbor. 

Then shout huzzah ! 

For the sons of toil shall rule ! 

Labor bringeth us pleasure. 

To nobly strive will teach ; 

Ever onward and upward. 

The motto set for each. 

NEAR KINSMAN AND MERAB. 

Work, boys, work! 

Ye who believe in labor. 

Work, boys, work ! 

Yes, life's a hardy school. 

Work, boys, work ! 

But as for yonder neighbor 

Who shouts huzza ! 

We'll quickly see who'll rule ! 

Labor may bring pleasure. 

To him whose gold is won. 

But we will take our leisure, 

Nor toil from sun to sun ! 

Scene IV. — The Exile's Return. 

Naomi, Ruth and Orpah. 
"And Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died ; and she was 
left and her two sons. And they took them wives of the 
women of Moab ; the name of the one was Orpah, and 
the name of the other was Ruth ; and they dwelt there 
about ten years. And Mahlon and ChiUon died also ; and 
the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then 
she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return 
from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the 
country of Moab, how that the Lord had visited his 
people in giving them bread." Ruth, chap. i. v. 3, 4, 5 
and.6. 

NAOMI. 

Go, return ye, each to her mother's 
house : 



The Lord deal kindly with you. 

As ye have dealt with the dead, and 

with me. 
Jehovah grant you that ye may find rest 
Each of you in the house of her hus- 
band. 

" Then she kissed them : and they lifted up their voice 
and wept." — Ruth, chap, i, v. 9. 

RUTH. 

The Lord forbid. 

We can not do this thing ! 

ORPAH. 

Surely we will return with thee 
Unto thy people. 

NAOMI. 

Turn again, my daughters ; 

For it grieveth me much for your sakes, 

That the hand of the Lord 

Is gone out against me. 

"And they lifted up their voices and wept again: and 
Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clave unto 
her." — Ruth, chap, i, v. 14. 

RUTH, ORPAH AND NAOMI. 

While earth is yet our home. 
The dearest ties are broken ; 
The words we spake Dy night, 
To-morrow are unspoken. 
The music of our life, 
Of heaven that seemed a token. 
Comes back when years are gone, 
But nevermore unbroken. 
And friend may part from friend. 
Each other's path not knowing ; 
To-day may bring us joy. 
To-morrow tears be flowing. 
The hour so sad draws nigh 
When trusting hearts must sever, 
Yet timid steps shall lead 
Where parting cometh never. 



ORPAH. 



Farewell ! 



RUTH AND NAOMI. 

Farewell ! 

Scene V. — Constancy. 

Naomi and Ruth. 
NAOMI. 

Behold ! thy sister hath gone back 
Unto her people, and unto her gods. 
Return thou after thy sister-in-law ! 



RUTH. 

Entreat me not to leave thee, 

Or to return from following after thee : 

For whither thou goest, I will go ; 

And where thou lodgest, I will lodge ; 

Thy people shall be my people, 

And thy God my God. 

Where thou diest, will I die, 

And there will I be buried. 

The Lord do so to me, and more also. 

If aught but death part thee and me. 

Scene VI. — The Sacrifice. 

The people returning from the ancient Jewish ceremony 
of offering the first sheaf of barley. The High Priest, 
with several officiating priests in attendance, maidens 
with tabrets, and others with cymbals and harps, the 
Prophetess, Head Servant, and people of Bethlehem. 

ALL. 

It is a good thing to give thanks 

Unto the Lord ; and to sing praises 

Unto thy name, O Most Highest ! 

To tell of thy loving kindness 

Early in the morning, 

And of thy truth in the night season. 

Upon an instrument of ten strings, 

And upon the lute. 

Upon a loud instrument and upon the 

harp. 
For thou, Lord, hast made me glad 

through thy works. 
And I will rejoice in giving praise 
For the operations of thy hands. 

HIGH PRIEST. 

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, 
And into his courts with praise. 
Be thankful unto him and bless his name. 
For the Lord is good, his mercy is ever- 
lasting, 
And his truth endureth to all generations. 

HIGH PRIEST, PROPHETESS, HEAD SERV- 
ANT AND CHORUS. 

It is a good thing to give thanks, etc. 
Scene VII. — The Recognition. 

Roth, Naomi, High Priest, Head Servant, Prophetess, 
and people of Bethlehem. 

"And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth- 
lehem, that all the city was moved about them ; and they 
said, is this Naomi ?" — Ruth, chap, i, v. 19. 



HI(;H PRIEST. 
(Recognizing Naomi.) 

Is this Naomi ? 

Wife of our brother Elimelech ? 

ALL. 

Is this Naomi } Is this Naomi ? 

NAOMI. 

Call me not Naomi, 

But henceforth call me Mara, 

For the Lord hath dealt very bitterly 

with me ; 
And the Almighty hath afflicted me. 
Then why call ye me Naomi, 
Seeing the Loiti hath testified against me, 
And the Almighty hath afflicted me .' 

Scene VIII. — The Supplication. 

Finale to Act I. 

Ruth, Naomi, Prophetess, Head Servant, High Priest 
and people of Bethlehem. 

RUTH. 

Help me, O most gracious Father, 
Wandering in a stranger land ; 

Lead me in the path I've chosen. 
Thou my friend and helper stand. 

NAOMI. 

In the hour of dark affliction, 

When alone I seem to be ; 
When I'm weary of my burden. 

Keep me. Father, near to thee. 

ALL. 

Great hath been thy tender mercy, 
Blessing, praise and love we bring ; 

Thou art King and Priest forever, 
Praise to thee we gladly sing. 

HIGH PRIEST. 

In each time of doubt and trouble. 
Give me faith on thee to rest ; 

RUTH, NAOMI, HIGH PRIEST AND HEAD 
SERVANT. 

Strengthen me in hours of trial. 
Give me what thou seest best. 
Ensemble. 

He hath brought me safe through danger, 
When perplex'd sweet comfort brings ; 

Let me shout in songs triumphant, 
Praises to the King of Kings ! 



" And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty 
man of wealth of the family of Elimelech ; and his name 
was Boaz. And Ruth the INIoabitess said unto Naomi, 
Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after 
him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto 
her, Go, my daughter. And she went and came, and 
gleaned in the field after the reapers ; and her hap was to 
light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was 
of the kindred of Elimelech." Ruth, chap, i, v. i, 2 and 3. 

Scene I. — T^e Fields of Boaz. 

Reapers, Gleaners, Head Servant and Ruth. 
GLEANERS. 

The corn waves in furrows green, 
The tall barley sheaves are seen 
Rising where the reapers have been. 
We rest from our toil awhile, 
And each laugh or sing or smile. 
Till the call is heard : oh ! come, come 
away ! 

HEAD SERVANT, REAPERS AND GLEANERS. 

Tra la, la, la, la, la. 

Come, oh come away ; 

Singing joyously our glad roundelay 

Laughing merrily, ha, ha, ha ! 

RUTH. 

The gleaners laugh merrily, 
The reapers sing cheerily. 
Everything is gladsome and gay; 
We'll work then till set of sun, 
The hour when our labor's done. 
Always singing gaily ; come, come, away ! 

ALL. 

Working gladly all the sunny day, 
Resting where the shadows play, 
Peace and joy to ev'ry heart 
The softened shades of eve impart. 

RUTH. 

Then when evening shadows softly creep. 
Does the nightfall bring us refreshing 

sleep. 
To the meadows fresh in the morn 
So cheerfully we work in ripening corn, 

ALL. 

The corn waves, etc. 

Scene II. — Friendship. 

(Arrival of Boaz from Bethlehem. Ruth, Boaz, Head 
Servant, Reapers and Gleaners.) 

BOAZ. 

The Lord be with you ! 



ALL. 

The Lord bless thee ! 

BOAZ. 

Whose damsel is this .-* 

HEAD SERVANT. 

It is the Moabitish damsel 

That came back with Naomi, 

Out of the country of Moab ; 

And she said. Let me glean and gather 

After the reapers among the sheaves. 

So she came, and hath continued 

Even from the morning until now. 

BOAZ. 

{To Rtith) 

Hearest thou not, my daughter, 
Go not to glean in another field, 
Neither go from hence, 
But abide here fast by my maidens. 

" Then she fell on her face and bowed herself to the 
ground. "^RuTH, chap, ii, v. 10. 

RUTH. 

Why have I thus found favor 

And grace in thine eyes 

That thou shouldest take knowledge of 

me. 
Seeing I am a stranger.? 

BOAZ. 

It hath fully been showed me 
All that thou hast done to thy mother- 
in-law 
Since the death of thy husband. 
And how thou hast left 
Thy father and thy mother, 
And the land of thy nativity, 
And art come unto a people 
Which thou knewest not heretofore. 

BOAZ. 

The Lord recompense thy work. 
And a full reward be given thee 
Of the Lord God of Israel, 
Under whose wings thou 'rt come to 
trust. 

RUTH. 

Let me now find favor in thy sight, my 

lord, 
For that thou hast comforted me. 
And for that thou hast spoken so friendly 
Unto thine handmaid. 



RUTH, BOAZ, HEAD SERVANT, REAPERS, 
AND GLEANERS. 

Blessed be the name of the Lord 
Who hath not left j "j^^^^ I this day ; 
Ever-blessed be the name of the Lord. 



Scene IIL — Jealousy. 

Zuleika, afterward Near Kinsman, Merab and Prophetess. 
ZULEIKA. 

Ah! I'm not mistaken! Yes, 'tis she! 

Here my husband soon will surely be ! 

(Sees the Near Kinsman in the distance.) 

'Tishe! 

Spoken. — " He shall never — I vow it (stamp- 
ing her foot) — take this Moabitish woman for 
wife. Doth she not glean in the fields of Boaz, 
and is only an hand-maiden .'' Heaven forbid 
that he should do this thing and bring evil unto 
us. Here he comes now !" 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

Proud Boaz, whom I deeply hate. 
My sure revenge doth now await; 
To wed fair Ruth, my lord has planned. 
But I shall claim the maiden's hand. 

MERAB. 

Like lord or prince he walketh now, 
And ail before his greatness bow ; 
If he hath riches, then in truth 
'T is fair that thou shouldst wed sweet 
Ruth. 

BOTH. ' 

Our plans are laid with craft and skill, 
And we shall surely work our will ; 
So we'll abide the fitting hour; 
Then, Boaz, thou shalt feel our power. 

PROPHETESS. 

Nay ! I've a message now for thee, 
Thou workers of iniquity ; 
Thy flocks and herds destroyed shall be. 
Unless repentance comes from thee ! 

ZULEIKA. 

(Aside.) 

Will he ! will he .' we shall see 
Who will in this race winner be ! 



PROPHETESS. 
( To Near Kinsman^ 

Thy flocks and herds destroyed shall be, 
Unless repentance comes from thee ! 

NEAR KINSMAN AND MERAB. 

So we'll abide the fitting hour. 

And, Boaz, thou shalt feel our power. 

Scene IV. — N^eglect. 

Zuleika, afterward the Prophetess. 
ZULEIKA. 

I love him still, tho' he forgets 

I once was all to him ; 
To think he loves another now, 

Has made my eyes grow dim. 
'Tis hard to meet the careless glance 

That speaks no tender thought; 
He told me I was dearest, best — 

But now he loves me not. 

ZULEIKA AND PR'.,1PHETESS. 

Though love may leave the faithless 
heart. 

Nor come again at call, 
" 'Tis better to have loved and lost. 

Than never loved at all." 

ZULEIKA. 

I can not tell what hopes arise 

To quickly fade away ; 
I can not tell what yearnings come 

Throughout the livelong day. 
I love him still, though he is cold. 

With heart estranged from mine. 
While ever does mine inmost soul 

For true affection pine. 

BOTH. 

Though love may leave, etc. 
Scene V. — Loi'e. 

Ruth and Naomi. 

The exterior of A'aomi's hottse. A spinning- 
wheel standing in the porch. Ruth returjis from 
gleanifig. 

" So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out 
that she had gleaned : and it was about an epah of barley. 
And she took it up. and went into the city ; and her 
mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned." — Ritph, chap, 
ii, V. 17 and 18. 

RUTH. 

Can it be the joy of loving 
Makes my happy heart rebound ; 



Can it be my pulse is throbbing 
With a love that's newly found ? 

NAOMI. 
(Miisingly.) 
The day is past, 
She's home at last. 

RUTH. 

Can it be the bliss that angels 
In their happy spirits feel ? 
For within my life so lonely 
Such a brightness seems to steal. 

NAOMI. 
{^Spinning^ 
Such a blessing, 
Love unceasing! 

{Naomi stops the wheel and goes into the house, 
and, as Ruth comes in sight of it, she puts her 
gleanings doivn and advances toward it.) 

RUTH. 

Can it be the joy is lasting ! 

RUTH. 

That it will not vanish soon ; 

Oh ! to leave me cold and cheerless, 

While it gave the warmth of noon! 

I have heard it that happy spirits 

Love to sing the joy they feel; 

Can it be their sweetest whispers 

On the air around me steal 7 

Better than the pain of parting 

With the sweetness in my breast, 

Is a home within the valley 

And a place of dreamless rest. 

Can it be that I am dreaming 

Only to awake e'er long. 

Or is it the joy of loving 

Seems to fill my heart with song .'' 

NAOMI. 
C Spinning.) 

Where hast thou been to-day, 
And where wroughtest thou } 

RUTH. 

The man's name with whom I wrought 
To-day is Boaz ! 

NAOMI. 

The man is one of our next kinsmen ! 
My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee. 
That it may be well with thee. 
Behold, he winnoweth barley 



To-night in the threshing floor; 

Wash thyself, therefore, and put thy 

raiment upon thee. 
And get thee down to the floor ; 
But make not thyself known unto the man 
Until he shall have done eating and 

drinking. 

RUTH. 

All thou sayest unto me I will do. 

BOTH. 

Boaz, good and noble kinsman, 

(Ever blessed be his lot,) 
Showeth kindness to the living. 

And the dead forgetteth not ! 

Scene VI. — Discord. 

Merab, afterward Zuleika. 
MERAB. 

As the hour is drawing nearer 
I must seek my master's face, 

For he needeth help and counsel 
As the evening comes apace. 

ZULEIKA. 

Stay ! Where is my lord, thy master ? 

MERAB. 

Perhaps he walketh at eventide. 

ZULEIKA. 

Speak ! Whither hath he gone } 

MERAB, 

Be not angry with thy servant, for I am 
an aged man. My lord is — 

ZULEIKA. 

Answer ! Thou son of iniquity ! 

MERAB. 

Hearken to my word, for thy servant is 
feeble, and slow of speech; mine 
eyes — 

ZULEIKA. 

Speak quickly ! or as my soul liveth thy 
punishment shall be great ! Hath my 
lord gone out after the Moabitish 
woman .'' 

MERAB. 

Fair Zuleika, what's the matter } 

ZULEIKA. 

Oh ! you need not seek to flatter ! 
Truly 'tis a pretty doing ! 



10 



MERAB. {Aside.) 

(Surely there's a storm a brewing.) 

ZULEIKA. 

Is he not such folly showing ? 

MERAB. 

Truly I've no means of knowing! 
Is it to my lord relating? 

ZULEIKA. 

'Tis the evil he's creating ! 
Is she not an humble gleaner? 

MERAB. 

I have never known nor seen her ! 

ZULEIKA. 

Wilt thou counsel such a measure ? 

MERAB. 

If it is my master's pleasure. 

ZULEIKA. 

I protest 'tis past all bearing, 
Thou this wicked folly sharing. 
Hopes of joy are ever shipwrecked. 

MERAB. (Aside.) 

Ah ! my master's sadly henpecked ! 

ZULEIKA. 

I love him still, though he forgets 

I once was all to him ; 
To think he loves another now 

Has made my eyes grow dim. 
'Tis hard to meet the careless glance, 

That speaks no tender thought ; 
He told me I was dearest, best, 

But now he loves me not. 

Scene VII.— 77/^ Threshing Floor of 
Boaz. 

BOAZ AND SERVANTS. 

Joyously ho ! so ho ! 
Joyously drink the new-made wine, 

In plenty let it flow ; 
Every true friend and neighbor drink, 

The pledge of friendship show. 
Jolly good cheer to every one 

Whether he reap or sow. 
Fill, then, to plenty in the land, 

And let the red wine flow ! 
Joyously ho ! so ho ! 



Heartily, then, in new-made wine 

We'll drink the vintage clear, 
Pledging ourselves in every glass 

Abiding friendship here. 
Stand for the right, if need be fight, 

As on through life we go ; 
Faith in each other's our maxim, boys, 

So let the red wine flow ! 
Joyously ho ! so ho ! 

" And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart 
was merr)', he went to lie down at the end of the heap of 
corn."— Ruth, iii, v. 7. 

CHORUS OF ANGELS. 

From the unseen worlds of glory 
We the gates of earth unclose ; 
Angels' feet upon the stairway 
Wake no dreamer from repose. 
Round the portal, 
Watching, guarding. 
Angels forms no shadow throws. 

Scene N\\\.—Didy. 

" And she went down unto the floor, and did all that 
her mother-in-law bade her." — Ruth, iii, t. 6. 

RUTH. 

'Tis midnight ! 

And the moon's pale rays 

Illume the earth, now still ; 
Not so my heart, it wildly beats 

And throbs against my will. 
Israel's God ! He whom I choose, 

My humble prayer give heed ; 
The Orphan's Friend be Thou to me, 

And help in time of need. 
{A step is heard.) 
Surely some one awakes, 
Or perhaps an intruder. I must await ! 

Scene IX. — The Assassin. 

Near Kinsman, afterward Ruth and Boaz. 
NEAR KINSMAN. 

At last I have him ! 

He who hath stood 'tween me and 

fortune. 
Though kindred blood course through 

his veins, 
I will not, will not spare him. 

Nay ! nay ! for insult and contumely 
Repeated once too often, 
His life shall now the forfeit pay, 

I will with one fell blow avenge me ! 



11 



RUTH. 

Hold! 

BOAZ. 

Kinsman ! why seeks't my life ? 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

Pardon ! 

RUTH. 
( To Boaz.) 

My lord ! restrain the avenging arm, 

To murder be not driven ; 
As thou to others mercy show, 

So mercy's shown from heaven ! 

NEAR KINSMAN. 
( To Boaz.) 
My lord ! restrain the avenging arm 

My soul with hate was riven 
Ah ! mercy show, 

And pardon grant me, Heaven ! 

Scene X. — Repentance. 

Finale to Act II. 
Boa?, Near Kinsman and Ruth. 

BOAZ. 
( To Ruth.) 
'Tis to thy' gentle power 

My stronger will shall bow. 

( To Near Kinsman.) 

Then swear before my dagger's sheathed. 
Aye ! swear in honest truth, 

That on the morrow at the gate, 
Thou'lt yield the hand of Ruth. 

NEAR KINSMAN. 
( To Boaz.) 

First, thy pardon, kinsman, I would ask, 

My life is in thy hand; 
For mercy, I will free the maid, 

And 'fore the Elders stand. 
With thee a cov'nant I will make ; 
Oh spare, for mercy's sake ! 

RUTH. 

( To Boaz.) 

He pardon asks thee. I pray thee grant 
it! 

A pledge of silence now be given ; 
As ye to others mercy show 

So mercy's shown from heaven ! 



BOAZ. 
( To Ruth.) 
To thy sweet prayer I grant it ! 

RUTH. 

Joy ! joy ! he grants it ! 

BOAZ. 
( To Near Kinsman.) 
Arise ! may heaven forgive thee ! 

NEAR KINSMAN. 
( To Boaz.) 

I thank thee for thy mercy ! 

* RUTH. 
{To Boaz.) 
In deeds of kindly pity, 

Thou'st ever noblest, best ; 
He who forgives his brother. 
In sight of Heaven is blest. 

BOAZ. 

(To Ruth. J 
His claim our brother forfeits, 

The next of kin I stand ; 
Then maid be mine forever. 

Oh take my heart and hand. 

NEAR KINSMAN. 
{To Ri{th.) 

With thoughts of thee to strengthen, 

I'll act a nobler part, 

To thee I dare not offer 

A guilty, craven heart. 

Ensemble. 

RUTH. 

( To Boaz.) 

It is with joy unbroken 

I hear thee tell of this ; 
When heart to heart hath spoken 
It gives a thrill of bliss. 

BOAZ. 
(To Ruth. J 

My heart was full of sadness, 
I wished thy joys were mine ; 

But now 'tis purest gladness 
To clasp thy hand in mine. 

NEAR KINSMAN. 
( To Boaz.) 

I thank thee for thy mercy 

That's spared a life like mine ; 

Thy gen'rous deed hath shown me 
That noble manhood's thine. 



12 



CHORUS. 

To-night this place he entered 
With evil thoughts intent; 

Kind Heaven has interposed, 
And surely he'll repent. 



Scene I. — The Bargain. Gate of Beth- 
lehem. 

Boaz, Near Kinsman, Merab, ElJers and Citizens of 
Bethlehem. 

(Boaz being entrusted with the sale of Naomi's land, 
assembles the people and takes ten of the Elders to decide 
the right of p\irchase, the right involving the disposal of 
the hand of Ruth.) Ruth, iv, v. i to lo. 

BOAZ. 
(7t> A^ear Kinsman.) 

Turn aside, till we have spoken, 
Tarry for a moment here ! 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

While my lord a word is speaking, 
I thy servant will draw near. 

BOAZ. 
{ToEUers.) 

Sit ye down and judge this matter ; 

Let the elders wisdom bring, 
For it is the law of Moses 

That ye witness to tliis thing. 
Know, Naomi sells a portion 

Of her husband's goodly land; 
Buy of her, or, if thou wilt not, 

"Tell me, for the next I stand. 

NEAR KINSMAN. 
( To People.) 

It is just that I, her kindred, 
Should possess Naomi's field : 

Then will I redeem our brother — 
Let the cov'nant here be sealed. 

NEAR KINSMAN, MERAB, ELDERS AND 
PEOPLE. 

T* • • *. .u i H redeem ) •. 
It IS just that i . J >• It ; 

•' ( lie redeems \ ' 

Let the cov'nant here be sealed. 

BOAZ. 

In the day thou buy'st her portion 
That belongeth to her kin. 



Thou must buy of Mahlon's widow. 
And the hand of Ruth must win ! 

BOAZ AND PEOPLE. 
(To Near Kinsman. J 

Thou must buy of Mahlon's widow, 
And the hand of Ruth must win ! 

NEAR KINSMAN. 
( To Boaz.) 

Then, mine own I may not injure, 
Lest it causeth ill and strife; 

Buy the land for thy possession. 
Also Ruth to be thy wife ! 

(Ensemble. J 
MERAB, ELDERS AND PEOPLE. 

Let the Elders and the people 
Witness this day, for the truth ; 

Boaz buys Naomi's portion, 

And he wins the hand of Ruth. 

BOAZ. 

Let the Elders bear me witness 
That this day I speak the truth; 

I have bought Naomi's portion, 
And have won the hand of Ruth. 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

I have sought the widow's portion. 
And despised the orphan's need ; 

I repent of this, my doing; 
I have sinned indeed. 

Scene IL — The Vision. 

Time, Night. Ruth and Naomi on the house-top. 
NAOMI. 

What aileth thee, my daughter, 
And why is thy rest disturbed ? 

RUTH. 

" In visions of the night. 

When deep sleep falleth upon man, 

A spirit passed before my face; 

It stood still, but I could not discern the 

form thereof; 
An image was before mine eyes. 
And I heard a voice, saying — " 

NAOMI. 

What said the spirit unto thee, my daugh- 
ter? 

RUTH. 

" There shall come forth a rod 
Out of the stem of Jesse, 



13 



And a branch shall grow out of its roots, 
And in that day there shall be a root of 

Jesse 
Which shall stand for an ensign 
To the people ; 
To it shall the Gentiles seek, 
And his rest shall be glorious." 

Scene III. — The Epithalamium. 

COMPANION MAIDENS OF RUIH. 

Soon with woman's fond devotion 

Shall thy loving troth be sealed ; 
Life I'or thee is dawning brightly, 

Lovely gleaner of the field. 
Slumber softly on thy pillow. 

Till the distant echo tells 
To each ear the sweet old story 

Of the merry bridal bells ! 
Echo tells 
Of the bells, 

The merry bridal bells ! 
May thy days be every sunny 

As the happy hours of spring ; 
Bluest skies that shine above thee, 

Cloud and tempest never bring. 
Slumber softly on thy pillow, 

As the fading starlight tells 
Of the dawning in the eastward, 

'Tis the morn of marriage bells ! 

RUTH AND NAOMI. 
{Ensemble.) 

Sleep hath fled, but sweet the waking. 

As the fading starlight tells 
Of the dawning in the eastward, 
And the morn of mnrriage bells! 
Hear the bells! 
Marriage bells ! 
The merry marriage bells ! 

Scene IV. — Anticipation. 

BOAZ. 

The nightingale sings 'neath the stars. 

No sound of day her love-song mars. 

Be !^till, fond heart, 

Delicious tho' thy dreamings be : 

Precious, how precious 

Is the thought of one beloved ! 

What jay ! What ecstacy! 

My heart felt no thrill of emotion. 
Nor dreamed of a rapture like this. 



How lonely was life, till her presence 
Had brought me an Eden of bliss. 
Come quickly ! bright hour on the mor- 
row, 
Sweet hour I am longing to see, 
For then I shall call thee mine own love, 
But now I am dreaming of thee; 
Dreaming, yes. 
Dreaming of thee ! 
I look to the eastward for morning; 
I whisper: Oh, night pass away; 
I long for the star of the twilight 

That heralds the dawn of the day. 
Oh ! hasten bright hour on the morrow, 
Sweet hour 1 am longing to see ; r^ 
For then I shall call thee mine own love, 
But now I am dreaming of thee: 
Dreaming, yes. 
Dreaming of thee! 

Scene V. — The Wedding. 

Finale to Act III. 

Exterior of the tiouse o' Boaz. Time, night. Herald. 
afterwards Female relatives of the bridegroom. Bridal 
procession — Ruth with companions and Boaz with friends. 
Their arrival and invitation to the marriage supper. 

MAIDENS. 

Wish now for the gentle bride, 
Peaceful, holy, happy hours ; 
rime to bring no wearing grief. 
Life to pass like summer flowers. 
Hope, still on her pathway shine, 
Faithful, loving, trusting one; 
Death, tear not her idols down, 
Sweet her rtst when work is done. 

MAIDENS. 

Behold the bridegroom cometh ! 

BRIDAL PROCESSION. 
(In the distance.) 

Beauteous Ruth ; Gem of light ! 

Hail! All hail ! 

( Voices nearer.) 
Boaz, strong in the right ! 

Hail! All hail ! 

(Arrive in sight.) 
Joy shall attend on thee, 
Fairest, dearest, sweetest bride; 
Heaven kindly sends to thee 
Rest, for thou wert tried. 
Joy now we wish to thee. 
Brightest, happiest, longest life. 



14 



Long live to enjoy true love, 
Free from toil and strife. 
Gentle daughter, gem of truth, 
Toiling in thy sunny youth ; 
Heeding not the burning ray, 
Winning bread for her each day. 

(To Naomi — Rttth, Boaz and Chorus.) 

Gentle mother, tried and true. 
Weary pilgrim battling through ; 
Fortune false to thee may prove. 
Naught is sweet as changeless love. 

ALL. 
(Except Ruth and Boaz. Ensemble.) 
Hail, to the bridegroom ! 
Hail, to the bride ! 

ROAZ. 

Love still we bear to thee, 
Faithful, loving, loyal friends ; 
She kindly heareth thee, 
To each word attends. 

RUTH. 

Joy will it be to me. 
Purest, sweetest, pleasure yields ; 
Yet bidding lowly ones. 
Glean within the fields. 

ALL. 

Joy shall attend on thee, etc. 

BOAZ. 
( To head servant.) 
Go : prepare the supper, so that 
We may make merry with our friends ! 

HEAD SERVANT. 

It shall be as my lord hath spoken. 

RUTH, NAOMI, BOAZ AND NEAR KINSMAN. 

The rose in its beauty must fade, 
And Autumn to Summer is near ; 
But kindness will hallow our youth, 
In sadness will strengthen and cheer. 
The autumn leaf falls from the stem. 
The summer flower fadeth away ; 



But kind words will bloom in the heart, 
As fresh as young violets in May. 
We're now in the spring-time of life. 
And youth in its freshness is here : 
Then let us be loving and true. 
Ere age with its frosts draweth near. 
There's a beautiful rest by-and-by. 
For those who have pitied the wrong ; 
There's a beautiful strain that they sing. 
And love is the theme of that song. 

HEAD SERVANT. 

Behold, thy friends which are bidden 
are in waiting ! the supper is prepared, 
come ! for all things are ready ! 

RUTH. 

Where dearest friends will gather round, 
Nor past the lintel roam ; 
Where heart meets heart in tender love, 
Is home, sweet home. 

BOAZ. 

Where one bright presence makes our 

bliss, 
And purest pleasures come. 
As hand in hand through life we walk. 
Is home, sweet home. 

ALL. 

Home, home, sweet, sweet home ; 

RUTH. 

Where heart meets heart in tender love, 

BOAZ. 

As hand in hand through life we walk, 

NAOMI. 

Where weary age may rest content, 

NEAR KINSMAN. 

Where hand meets hand • in friendly 
grasp, 

PROPHETESS, HIGH PRIEST, MERAB. 

Where grateful hearts unite in thanks, 

HEAD SERVANT AND CHORUS — ALL. 

Is home, sweet home ! 



f^igtorical OTustomis in tijc Ei\m of l^uti). . 



Gleaning. — A practice established by law, and intended to make provision for the poorer 
classes of the people. 

Barley Harvest, commencing in April, ended in the first part of June, and was followed by 
the season of fruits. The heat at this time was so intense that the roofs of houses were commonly 
used for sleeping purposes. 

Salutations were generally of a religious character, expressing prayers for the blessing of 
God on those to whom they were spoken. 

Spinning and weaving were the business of women, and embroidery and needle-work were 
carried to great perfection. 

The Threshing Floor was in the field itself, and was merely an open space where the 
sheaves were thrown together in loose heaps, ready for threshing, the ground being leveled by a 
roller till it was quite hard and smooth. 

Wine. — There was in use a sort of weak wine or vinegar commonly drank by laborers, and this 
was given by Boaz to his servants at the harvest feast. 

Spreading the Skirt was a custom which denoted protection and encouragement, and was 
a token of high esteem. 

The Gate of the city was an important place, A considerable space was left unoccupied 
about it, and here was the seat of justice, where legal business was transacted. It was a place of 
general resort. 

Making a Bargain. — The custom of taking off the shoe and handing it to the other party 
concerned, signified the closing of the bargain. 

Marriage Law. — There was a law to this effect, that the brother or nearest living male 
relative should marry the deceased brother's widow. A departure from this law was allowable 
where an unwillingness was felt by either party. 

Epithalamium. — The night previous to the wedding, the companion maidens of the bride 
assembled before the door of the house, and sung the nuptial ode of congratulation. 

House Top. — The roofs of Eastern houses are flat, and surrounded on the outside with a low 
wall. On such roofs a little grass will sometimes spring up, but it soon withers away under the 
heat of the sun. The roof has always been used as a place of retirement, and it is common to 
walk there in the evening to enjoy the cool breeze, while in summer persons often sleep under the 
broad arch of Heaven. 

Ruth is generally supposed to have been quite young, and Boaz probably in middle life. 

Wedding Festivities. — These were held at the residence of the bride's parents, and lasted 
from three to seven days. The young people, friends of each, during this time amused themselves 
in various ways, but held no communication with each other. At the close of the festivities, both 
parties marched in procession after nightfall, by torchlight, to the house of the bridegroom, with 
songs and the music of instruments. In the meantime, another company was waiting at the 
bridegroom's house, ready at the first notice of their approach to go forth to meet them, and on the 
arrival of the bridal pjirty, all partook of the marriage supper. 



Musical Contents. 



Introductory Scene — Cavatina, Naomi — " My Native Landy /areweil." 

ACT I. 

1. Chorusand Intermezzo Head Servant, Reapers and Gleaners Away io the fields. 

2. a. Recitando Merab All things have an ending. 

b. Solo and Duetto Near Kinsman and Merab Ten years ago. 

3. a. Recitatives Boaz and Near Kinsman But what intruder? 

b. Ensemble Boaz, Nr. Kinsman, Merab and Chorus. /Kt^r/t, boys^ work I 

4. a. Recitatives Naomi, Ruth and Orpah Gc, return ye ! 

b. Trio Naomi, Ruth and Orpah While earth is yet our home. 

5. a. Recitative Naomi Behold/ thy sister. 

b. Aria Ruth Entreat me not ! 

6. Chorus with Solo Intermezzo High Priest and Chorus It is a good thing to give thanks. 

7. Cavatina ...Naomi Call me not, Naomi. 

X- 1 .-^A .T ( Ruth, Naomi, Head Serv't, Prophetess, I r/,,,„,, /I. „^,, ^„„^.,„ E-^,,^„ 

8. Finale to Act I -j j^;^^ PHest and Chorus.... l\ Help me, O most gracious Father. 

ACT II. 

Scene. 

1. Chorus with Solo ObligatO-.Ruth, H'd Serv't, Reapers and Gleanr's.. 7%<f corn waves. 

2. a. Recitatives Boaz and Head Servant The Lord be with you. 

b. Arias Boaz and Ruth Nearest thou not? 

c. Duo Boaz and Ruth The Lord recompense. 

d. Ensemble Ruth, Boaz, Head Servant and C\\cix\\%.. Blessed be the name. 

3. a. Recitando.. Zuleika Ah! Tm not mistaken. 

b. Solos and Duetto Near Kinsman and Merab Proud Boaz! 

c. Solo Prophetess Nay ! I've a message. 

, „ , (Zuleika, Prophetess, Near Kinsman 1 „,•■,,. » 
''• Q"^«et ■) ^„j j^'i^^^b _' ^W.llhe? 

4. a. Solo Zuleika / love him still. 

b. Duetto Zuleika and Prophetess Though love may leave. 

5. a. Aria Ruth Can it be the joy. 

b. Cavatina Naomi My daughter, shall I not f 

c. Duetto Ruth and Naomi Boaz, good and noble. 

6. a. Recitando Merab and Zuleika As the hour. 

b. Duetto Merab and Zuleika Fair Zuleika ! 

c. Air Zuleika / love him still. 

7. Male Chorus with Obligato. Boaz and Servants Joyously ho ! 

b. Female Chorus Angels From the unseen worlds. 

8. Cavatina Ruth ' T is midnight. 

9. a. Aria Near Kinsman At last I hazte hi>n. 

b. Duetto Ruth and Near Kinsman My Lord ! restrain. 

10. Finale to Act II Ruth, Boaz, Near Kinsman 3^nd Chorus.'' Tis to thy gentle power. 

ACT III. 

Scene. 

1. a. Solos and Chorus \ %^';JfI•.'^.^"/."'.^";.l'^"^!':.^!'^"^^"^ \ Turn aside. 

b. Ensemble ] ^°vll>^\l' ^'"""^"' ^^^''■^' ^''^"' '''"^\Let the Elders. 

2. Cavatina Ruth In visions. [tion. 

3. a. Female Chorus Companions of Ruth Soon with woman s fond devo- 

b. Ensemble Ruth, Naomi and Chorus Sleep hath fled. 

4. a. Recitando Boaz T he nightingale sings. 

b. Aria Boaz My heartfelt. 

5. Finale to Act III. 

a. Female Chorus Herald, Chorus of Maidens Wish now for the gentle bride. 

b. Full Chorus All, except Ruth and Boaz Joy shall attend. 

c. Quartet Ruth, Naomi, Boaz and Near Kinsman.. The rose in its beauty. 

d. Solos Ruth and Boaz Where dearest friends. 

e. Ensemble ..AH Home, Sweet Home. 



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